township of haverford climate change action plan · 2011. 6. 15. · rob graff, delaware valley...

Township of Haverford

Climate Change Action

Plan

Haverford Township Climate Action Plan Page 2 of 96

Credits and Acknowledgements ICLEI would like to extend thanks to the following individuals who made this report possible:

Township of Haverford Board of Commissioners Tom Broido Larry Holmes Jan Marie Rushforth Steve D’Emilio James E. McGarrity Robert E. Trumbull Jeff Heilmann Mario Oliva William F. Wechsler Township of Haverford Environmental Advisory Council Alfred J. Baginski Pamela Kenney Tom Chiomento Carol McCabe Fred Floyd Thomas Morgan Matthew C. Geary Dale Yanocha

Haverford Stakeholder Committee:

Township Representatives: Larry Gentile – Township Manager Maryann DelPizzo – Human Resources Tim Denny – Assistant Township Manager Mike Giordano – Public Works Lori Hanlon-Widdop – Community Development

Rick Maclary - Information Technology Jim Marino – Fire Marshall Lt. Charles Moore – Police Department George Rementer – Finance Carl Spangler – Health Department Larry Yates – Skatium

Community Representatives: Anne Ackerman, Darby Creek Valley Assoc. Ralph Brown, Pennsylvania Electric Co. (PECO) Addie Ciannella, Haverford Township Free Library Don Dukert, Quadrangle Alex Flemming, SEPTA Rob Graff, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) David Hartke, Keystone Green Building Initiative Karen Holm, Delaware County Planning Department

Claudia Kent, Haverford College Preston Luitweiler, P.E., Aqua Services, Inc. Joe Martin, P.E., PhD, Haverford Township School District Rebecca Ross, Delaware County Planning Department Alan Rushforth, Rushforth Solar LLC Jeff Vermeulen, Delaware County Chamber of Commerce Philip Witmer, Haverford Township Civic Council

ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability Kim Lundgren – U.S. Services Director, ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, U.S.A. Angela Vincent - Director - ICLEI’s Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regional Capacity Center Missy Stults – Senior Program Officer - ICLEI’s Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regional Capacity Center Jonathan Knauer – Program Associate, ICLEI’s Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regional Capacity Center This report was prepared by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, and made possible with support from The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Representative Gregory S. Vitali. The authors gratefully acknowledge the dedication of the staff of the Township of Haverford, who provided much of the insight and local knowledge necessary for the completion of this report.


Table of Contents

Letter from Board of Commissioners (Forthcoming)..............................................................................6

Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................7

1. Introduction...........................................................................................................................................15 1.1 Climate Change Science Background ...................................................................................................15 1.2 Forecasted Regional and Local Impacts................................................................................................16 1.3 The ICLEI Five-Milestone Process.......................................................................................................17 1.4 Benefits of Climate Protection to the Township of Haverford..............................................................18

2. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory.................................................................................................19 2.1 Methodology and Model .......................................................................................................................19 2.2 Clean Air and Climate Protection® (CACP) Software.........................................................................20 2.3 Creating the Inventory...........................................................................................................................21 2.4 Government Inventory Summary..........................................................................................................21 2.5 Community Inventory Summary...........................................................................................................22

3. Emissions Forecast ................................................................................................................................23 3.1 Government Forecast ............................................................................................................................23 3.2 Community Forecast .............................................................................................................................23

4. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Target....................................................................................25

5. Action Planning Process .......................................................................................................................26

6. Township Operations Measures ..........................................................................................................29 6.1 Create a Municipal Green Team ...........................................................................................................30 6.2 Establish an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy; Buy Energy STAR Electronics and Appliances...................................................................................................................................................31 6.3 Establish a Sustainable Parks Policy.....................................................................................................32 6.4 Establish Energy Efficiency Standards for any New Township Facilities and/or Retrofits of Existing Facilities…...………………………………………………………………………………………………33 6.5 Establish Program for Businesses/Homeowners to Register Improvements w/ Township and Receive Recognition .................................................................................................................................................34 6.6 Replace Existing Streetlights with LED Models...................................................................................35 6.7 Create an Urban Tree Planting Program ...............................................................................................36 6.8 Switch from Incandescent to Fluorescent Lighting...............................................................................38 6.9 Undertake Building Retro-Commissioning...........................................................................................39 6.10 Create a Green Fleets Program............................................................................................................40 6.11 Undertake Building Enveloping ………………………………..……………………………………41 6.12 Switch from T 12s to T 8s...................................................................................................................42 6.13 Hold Vehicle Maintenance Clinics/Driver Education for Township Employees to Improve Vehicle Efficiency. Reward Drivers Whose Vehicle Efficiency Improves.............................................................43 6.14 Install Programmable Thermostats in Township Buildings ................................................................44 6.15 Install Occupancy Sensors for Lighting……………………………………………………...............45 6.16 Install EPA EZ-GPO Computer Shut-Down Software .......................................................................46 6.17 Improve the Energy Efficiency of the Skatium...................................................................................47 6.18 Install LED Exit Signs in Township Buildings...................................................................................48

7 Community Measures............................................................................................................................49 7.1 Buildings Measures…………………………………………………………………………………..49 7.1.1 Haverford 10 Percent Challenge: Residential Energy Reduction ...............................................50


7.1.1.1 Promote Renewable Energy Purchases by Homeowners/Tenants ..................................................51 7.1.1.2 Conduct a CFL Replacement Campaign.........................................................................................52 7.1.1.3 Promote Purchase of Energy STAR and Other Energy Efficient Home Appliances......................53 7.1.1.4 Educate and Promote the Unplugging of Appliances and Power Strips .........................................54 7.1.1.5 Encourage 10 Percent of Households to use Programmable Thermostats ......................................55 7.1.1.6 Meeting the 10 Percent Challenge ..................................................................................................56 7.1.2 Public Climate Change Outreach and Education Campaign.......................................................57 7.1.2.1 Conduct a Multi-Media Outreach Initiative to Publicize the 10 Percent Challenge .......................58 7.1.2.2 Conduct Educational Initiatives to Support the 10 Percent Challenge............................................59 7.1.2.3 Work with Schools to Incorporate Climate into Service Projects...................................................60 7.1.2.4 Include Climate/Energy Component in School District Curriculum ..............................................61

7.2 Community Transportation Measures..............................................................................................62 7.2.1 Improve Traffic Signal Coordination at Municipal Borders ..............................................................62 7.2.2 Promote TransitChek to Transit-Accessible Employers ....................................................................63 7.2.3 Promote Existing Regional Carpooling Programs such as Share A Ride ..........................................64 7.2.4 Enhance Pedestrian Safety and Access to Sidewalks and Bike Paths, and Review Existing Ordinances to Identify Barriers for Bike and Pedestrian Users..........................................................................................65 7.2.5 Work with Area Businesses to Promote Telecommuting ..................................................................66 7.2.6 Install Bike Racks at Key Destinations Through-out the Township ..................................................66 7.2.7 Create Zoning that Encourages Compact, Walk-able, Mixed Use Development, Promote Transit Access of Haverford Township ...............................................................................................................................67 7.2.8 Encourage Residents and Commercial Fleet Users to Consider Alternative Fuel Vehicles ..............68

7.3 Recycling and Waste Measures..........................................................................................................69 7.3.1 Encourage Home Composting of Food and Yard Waste to Reduce Demand for Curbside Pickup...69 7.3.2 Expand Recycling Programs in School Facilities ..............................................................................70 7.3.3 Increase the Number of Recycling Containers in Public Areas Around the Township .....................71 7.3.4 Expand Recycling Programs in Municipal Facilities .........................................................................72 7.3.5 Reduce Household Hazardous Waste Through Proper Recycling of Batteries and Flourescent Lights ……................……………………………………………………………………………………………..73 7.3.6 Increase Community Participation in Expanded Recycling Program ................................................73

8 Conclusion and Next Steps ....................................................................................................................74 A. Administration and Staffing ...................................................................................................................74 B. Financing and Budget.............................................................................................................................74 C. Developing a Timeline ...........................................................................................................................74 D. Public Involvement in the Implementation Process ...............................................................................74 E. Monitoring ..............................................................................................................................................75 F. Re-Inventory ...........................................................................................................................................75

Appendix A: Measure Quantification .....................................................................................................76 Township Operations: .................................................................................................................................76 Community Measures: ................................................................................................................................81 Community Transportation: ........................................................................................................................85 Community Waste & Recycling: ................................................................................................................87

Appendix B: Inventory Results………………………………………………………………………….89


Haverford Township Climate Change Action Plan Quick Reference Guide Tell me about: Go to:

Overview of Haverford Township’s Action Plan

Executive Summary

Climate Change Introduction Haverford Township’s Greenhouse Gas

Emissions Inventory Emissions Inventory

Projected Future Greenhouse Gas Emissions Emissions Forecast Township’s Emissions Reduction Goal Reduction Target

Who Did This Report? Action Planning Process The Township’s Plans for Climate Protection Township Operations

What Can I Do? Meeting the 10 Percent Challenge Proposed Community Actions for Climate

Protection Community Measures


Letter from Board of Commissioners

I etEI L Loca l Governments for Sustai nabili ty


Executive Summary In July 2007, Haverford Township joined an international membership association of local governments dedicated to taking action on climate protection and sustainability known as ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI). By joining ICLEI, the Township recognized the profound effect that greenhouse gases emitted by human activity are having on the Earth’s climate. As a member of ICLEI, the Township receives resources, assistance, and information to help move through the ICLEI 5-Milestone methodology for climate protection: Milestone 1: Conduct a baseline greenhouse gas emissions inventory and forecast. Milestone 2: Adopt an emissions reduction target. Milestone 3: Develop a Climate Action Plan for reducing emissions. Milestone 4: Implement policies and measures identified in your Climate Action Plan. Milestone 5: Monitor, re-evaluate, and verify results. This document signifies the completion of the third milestone in ICLEI’s Five Milestone process: creation of a Climate Action Plan. In March 2008, the Haverford Township Greenhouse Gas Inventory was completed. The Inventory cataloged all major sources of greenhouse gas emissions generated within the Township, including buildings, transportation, and waste. Community emissions sources totaled 388,906 metric tons of equivalent carbon dioxide (CO2e) in 2005. In addition to the community analysis, a detailed analysis was done of government operations, which included Township operations, fire companies, Haverford Township Free Library, and the Haverford Township School District. The inventory analysis determined that in the base year 2005, total government emissions in the Township of Haverford amounted to 15,313 metric tons CO2e. Total government energy expenditures in 2005 totaled $3,363,272. Haverford’s government emissions of 15,313 metric tons of CO2e are 3.9 percent of overall community emissions. Charts ES-1 and ES-2 depict the CO2e emissions breakdowns for the community and government sectors:


The Haverford Township Climate Action Plan builds upon the findings of the Inventory and is designed to serve as a “roadmap” for how the Township of Haverford is proposing to approach its climate protection efforts. Within the pages of this document are strategies that the Township has identified as being important first steps to help reduce both government and community emissions, save money, and ensure that the Township develops in a sustainable and just manner. This document was created with substantial input from various Township and community stakeholders and measures identified within this report have been critically evaluated based on a series of decision criteria and priority areas identified by the Township. As part of the Action Planning process, Township officials decided to set an emissions reduction target. An emissions reduction target provides a tangible goal for Haverford’s emissions reduction efforts. The Township strove to choose a target that is both aggressive and achievable given local circumstances. Many factors were considered when selecting Haverford’s reduction target, including consideration of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s 4th Assessment Report, which denoted that an 80% reduction below 1990 levels globally by 2050 would be necessary to stabilize the climate.1 Given these criteria, Haverford Township has chosen a reduction target of 30% below 2005 levels by the year 2020 for Township Operations. Aggressive pursuit of this objective will demonstrate leadership and, in conjunction with a public outreach and education campaign, will provide valuable examples to the community of steps they can take in their own homes to reduce their carbon footprint. Like the Inventory, the Climate Action Plan includes sections denoting actions specific to the government and the community. However, it is important to note that while the School District was included in the government category for the inventory, all measures listed in this Plan (and the cost savings and emissions reduction figures associated with them) apply only to Township Operations. The School District is engaged in its own ongoing energy savings efforts, primarily via the employment of an energy services company to improve the efficiency of existing buildings, as well as the construction of new, green facilities. If the School District is excluded, all other Township Operations (Township, Library, fire companies) account for approximately 33 percent of the government emissions total, or 5,034 metric tons CO2e. The Township Operations portion of the Plan contains 18 measures that address emissions reductions and energy savings in buildings, vehicles, and street lighting. The full list of Township Operations measures can be found on Table ES-3. Table ES-1, below, provides a summary of the emissions and energy savings that could be achieved from the measures denoted in the Township Operations portion of the Action Plan:

Table ES-1: Township Operations Emissions Reduction Summary CO2e Emissions in 2005: 5,034 metric tons Energy Expenses in 2005: $1,212,232

Township Operations Emissions Reduction Target:

30 percent below 2005 levels by 2020

CO2e Savings Needed to Reach Target: 1,510 metric tons CO2e Savings Projected in Action Plan: 2,550 metric tons

Annual Cost Savings Projected in Action Plan: $452,920 (2005 dollars) The 18 Township Operations measures have an aggregate estimated emissions reduction of 2,550 metric tons of CO2e when fully implemented. In order to achieve its target of reducing emissions 30 percent below 2005 levels by the year 2020, Haverford must reduce annual emissions by 1,510 metric tons CO2e. If all measures are enacted by 2020, the Township will have a comfortable margin in achieving that goal.

1 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. At: http://www.ipcc.ch/.


The Township has also identified a number of measures to help reduce community emissions from the building, transportation, and waste sectors. Unlike Township Operations, there is no specific reduction target associated with the community section of the Plan; rather the Plan contains a number of proposals to be considered for implementation by the municipal Green Team. Additionally, the community section of the Plan focuses on public outreach and education as a critical way of achieving substantial reductions in community emissions. A key feature of this outreach and education effort is the 10 Percent Challenge, which will encourage Township residents to reduce energy consumption in their home by at least 10 percent. This program supports easy to implement energy efficiency and conservation measures as well as the purchase of alternative energy. Other community measures include increased transit use, carpooling, zoning reform, encouraging more bicycle and pedestrian activity, and increased participation in recycling. All attempts were made to quantify, to the extent possible, forecasted emissions and energy savings achievable by the proposed measures. A full list of community measures can be found in Table ES-4. Adopting all of the measures set out in this Plan will require a persistent, systematic approach carried out over a number of years. However, there are a few steps that the Township can take immediately that will lay the groundwork for success in achieving reductions in emissions and energy use in both Township Operations and the community. Table ES-2 lists these initial steps:

Table ES-2: Recommended Initial Steps to Implement Action Plan Measure Name Description

Create a Municipal Green Team

A Municipal Green Team is a permanent committee made up of employees who are committed to energy

efficiency and who play a key role in implementing the Action Plan.

Establish a Responsible Purchasing Policy

Establishes energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and lifecycle costs as key factors driving Township purchasing decisions on items ranging from

office paper to vehicles

Establish a Sustainable Parks Policy Goal is to reduce maintenance expenses in Township parks without sacrificing appearance and function.

Establish Energy Efficiency Standards for any New Township Facilities and/or Retrofits of

Existing Facilities

Investigate green building standards and consider passing a resolution requiring all Township buildings

adhere to energy efficiency standards The Haverford Climate Action Plan is intended to be a dynamic document. As such, the Township of Haverford should re-evaluate the measures identified within this Plan as well as how successful the Township was in implementing the identified measures, within 5 years of adoption of this Plan.

Haverford Township Climate Change Action Plan Table ES-3: Municipal Measures Implementation Matrix Target: Reduce CO2e Emissions 30 Percent Below 2005 Levels by 2020. Reduction Needed to Achieve Target: 1,510 Metric tons CO2e.

Measure Number

Measure Name Measure Status

Estimated Implementation

Cost*

Estimated Energy

Savings Per Year ($)**

Estimated Emissions Reduction Per Year (tonnes of CO2e)**

Percentage of

Reduction Target

Estimated Payback Period (Years)

Responsible Entity Term

6.1 Create Municipal Green

Team Proposed Unknown Unknown Unknown N/A Unknown Administration Short

6.2

Establish a Responsible Purchasing Policy; Buy

Energy STAR Electronics and Appliances

Proposed Marginal $21,800 124 8.21% 2 Administration,

Green Team Short

6.3 Establish a Sustainable

Parks Policy Proposed Unknown Unknown Unknown N/A Unknown

Parks and Recreation, Public

Works Short

6.4

Establish Energy Efficiency Standards for

any New Township Facilities and/or Retrofits

of Existing Facilities

Proposed

4 to 11 percent of total construction

costs, 1 to 3 percent of which are "soft costs"

25% to 30% reduction in energy costs versus non-

Efficient buildings

Unknown N/A Unknown Community

Development Short

6.5

Establish Program for Businesses/Homeowners to Register Improvements w/ Township and Receive

Recognition

Proposed Unknown Unknown Unknown N/A Unknown Green Team Short

6.6 Replace Existing Street

Lights with LED Models Proposed $1,700,000 $196,000 500 33.11% 8

Community Development,

Planning Commission,

Township Engineer

Long

6.7 Create an Urban Tree

Planting Program Proposed $254,400 N/A. 497 32.91% N/A.

Parks and Recreation, Public

Works Long

6.8 Switch from Incandescent to Fluorescent Lighting

Proposed $3-$20 per lamp $47,000 332 21.99% 1 All

Departments/Public Works

Short


Measure Number Measure Name

Measure Status


Cost*

Estimated Energy

Savings Per Year ($)**

Estimated Emissions Reduction Per Year (metric tons of

CO2e)**

Percentage of

Reduction Target


Responsible Entity Term

6.9 Undertake Building

Retro-Commissioning Proposed $39,500 $55,600 304 20.13% 1

Administration, Public Works,

Township Engineer Short

6.10 Create a Green Fleets

Program Proposed Unknown $39,000 230 15.23% Unknown

Public Works, Green Team

Long

6.11 Undertake Building

Enveloping Proposed Widely variable $25,400 149 9.87% Unknown

Administration, Public Works

Long

6.12 Switch from T 12s to T 8s Ongoing $20 per lamp $16,700 115 7.62% 3 Public Works Long

6.13

Hold Vehicle Maintenance

Clinics/Driver Education for Township Employees

to Improve Vehicle Efficiency. Reward

Drivers Whose Vehicle Efficiency Improves.

Proposed $2,000 to $3,000 $16,000 85 5.63% Immediate. Administration,

Human Resources Short

6.14 Install Programmable

Thermostats in Township Buildings

Ongoing $5,000-$7,000 $10,800 74 4.90% 1 Public Works Short

6.15 Install Occupancy

Sensors for Lighting Proposed $50 per sensor $10,400 72 4.77% Unknown Public Works Long

6.16 Install EPA EZ-GPO Computer Shut Down

Software Proposed $500 $7,000 39 2.58% Immediate

Information Technology

Long

6.17 Improve the Energy

Efficiency of the Skatium Proposed Unknown $6,800 27 1.79% Unknown

Administration, Parks and

Recreation, Public Works

Short

6.18 Install LED Exit Signs in

Township Buildings Proposed $50 per exit sign $420.00 2 0.13% 3 Public Works Short

* Does not include installation costs. ** Figure reflects savings once measure is fully implemented.


Haverford Township Climate Change Action Plan Table ES-4: Community Measures Implementation Matrix

Measure Number Measure Name Measure

Type


Cost

Estimated Energy Savings Per Year

(MMBtu)

Estimated Emissions

Reduction Per Year (tonnes of

CO2e)


Notes

Buildings

10% Challenge Measures

7.1.1.1 Promote Renewable Energy

Purchases by Homeowners/Tenants

Buildings $388,290 None 8,430 None

Cost is based on 10% of households spending an extra

$215 annually to purchase renewables.

7.1.1.2 Run a CFL Replacement

Campaign Buildings $90,300 10,102 1,143 1

Cost is based on 10% of households installing 20

bulbs costing $50.

7.1.1.3 Promote Purchase of Energy

STAR and Other Energy Efficient Home Appliances

Buildings $45,150 to $1,806,000

9,551 1,081 Unknown

Cost is based on 10% of households spending

anywhere from $25 to $1,000 on more efficient appliances.

7.1.1.4 Educate and Promote the

Unplugging of Appliances and Power Strips

Buildings None 2,939 503 None

7.1.1.5 Utilize Programmable

Thermostats Buildings $180,600 4,890 411 1

Cost is based on 10% of households installed

thermostats costing $100.

Education and Outreach Measures

7.1.2.1

Conduct a Multi-Media Outreach Initiative to

Publisize the 10 Percent Challenge

Buildings Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown



Type


Cost


(MMBtu)

Estimated Emissions

Reduction Per Year (metric tons of CO2e)


Notes

7.1.2.2 Conduct Educational

Initiatives to Support the 10 Percent Challenge


7.1.2.3 Work with Schools to

Incorporate Climate into Service Projects

Buildings Unknown 68 2 Unknown

7.1.2.4 Include Climate/Energy Component in School District Curriculum


Transportation

7.2.1 Improve Traffic Signal

Coordination at Municipal Borders

Transportation Unknown $560,834 7,622 Unknown

7.2.2 Promote TransitChek to

Transit-Accessible Employers

Transportation Unknown $75,000 672 Unknown

7.2.3 Promote Existing Regional Carpooling Programs such

as Share A Ride Transportation Unknown $30,000 74 Unknown

7.2.4 Enhance Pedestrian Safety and Access to Sidewalks

and Bike Paths Transportation Unknown $6,000 15 Unknown

7.2.5 Work with Area Businesses to Promote Telecommuting

Transportation $1,000 $5,000 13 1

7.2.6 Install Bike Racks at Key

Destinations Throughout the Township

Transportation $15,000 Unknown Unknown Unknown Cost is based on 30 racks at

$500 each.

7.2.7

Create Zoning that Encourages Compact, Walk-able, Mixed Use Development, Promote

Transit Access of Haverford Township

Transportation Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown



Type


Cost


(MMBtu)

Estimated Emissions

Reduction Per Year (metric tons of CO2e)


Notes

7.2.8

Encourage Residents and Commercial Fleet Users to Consider Alternative Fuel

Vehicles

Transportation Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown

Waste

7.3.1

Increase Yard Waste Recycling and Encourage

Home Composting of Food and Yard Waste to Reduce

Demand for Curbside Pickup

Waste Unknown Unknown 172 Unknown

7.3.2 Expand Recycling Programs

in School Facilities Waste $3,000 Unknown 61 Unknown

Cost is based on 20 containers at $150 each.

7.3.3

Increase the Number of Recycling Containers in Public Areas Around the

Township

Waste $4,500 Unknown 11 Unknown Cost is based on 30

containers at $150 each.

7.3.4 Expand Recycling Programs

in Municipal Facilities Waste $1,000 Unknown 2 Unknown

Cost is based on 20 containers at $50 each.

7.3.5

Reduce Household Hazardous Waste Through

Proper Recycling of Batteries and Compact

Florescent Lights

Waste None None None None

7.3.6 Increase Community

Participation in Expanded Recycling Program

Waste Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown

1. Introduction 1.1 Climate Change Science Background The Earth’s atmosphere is naturally composed of a number of gases that help to trap heat from the sun, thereby keeping the Earth’s climate stable and hospitable for life. This phenomenon, known as the greenhouse effect, is the primary reason why the Earth has historically had a relatively stable global average temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Of the identified greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most prolific. Other notable greenhouse gases include methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), ozone (O3), and halocarbons. Without the natural warming effect of these gases, the average surface temperature of the Earth would be around 14 degrees Fahrenheit (Figure 1.1).

Figure 1.1: The Greenhouse Effect (Source: NACC/USGCP graphic from Union of Concerned Scientists Website) However, modern human activity, most notably the burning of fossil fuels for transportation, electricity generation, and heating and cooling, are introducing large amounts of additional carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Collectively, these additional gases are intensifying the natural greenhouse effect, causing global average surface temperature to rise, which in turn affects global climate patterns.

This phenomenon, known as global climate change, has been verified and researched by a number of scientific bodies, such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). In their latest report, the IPCC, the international community’s most respected assemblage of scientists, found that climate change is a


reality and that human activities are largely responsible for increasing concentrations of global warming pollutants2. Additionally, the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Aeronautic and Space Administration, the Department of Energy, and the Bush Administration have acknowledged the significant role of human activity in exacerbating climate change.

The most commonly discussed impact of climate change is an increase in temperature. According, to the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA), global average surface temperatures increased during the 20th century by about 1 degree Fahrenheit, with the 1990s being the warmest decade of the century3. Additionally, the six warmest years in the recorded history, according to the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (a branch of NASA), have all occurred since 1998, and the 15 warmest years in the recorded history have all occurred since 19884.

When discussing climate change, it is important to note that the climate and the atmosphere do not react in a linear fashion to increased greenhouse gases. This means that one cannot simply predict that for each tonne of CO2 emitted from a power plant or a vehicle’s tailpipe, the Earth will warm a certain amount. This is because the Earth’s climate has a number of feedback loops and tipping points, which scientists believe will accelerate global climate change beyond the rate at which it is currently occurring. For example, as CO2 emissions have increased in recent human history, the oceans have been absorbing a significant portion of these gases. But as the oceans become more saturated, scientists anticipate they will reach maximum retention, after which they will be unable to absorb any more CO2, meaning that each tonne of anthropogenically emitted CO2 will be released directly into the atmosphere, leading to a more substantial impact on global climate patterns.5

1.2 Forecasted Regional and Local Impacts From a statewide perspective, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a significant contributor to climate change. According to a Pennsylvania Environmental Council study, the Commonwealth generates one percent of the world’s annual greenhouse gas emissions6. Among states, only California and Texas have greater emissions. In addition to being a sizable emitter, Pennsylvania is projected to experience substantial impacts resulting from global climate change. According to the Northeast Climate Impacts Assessment (NECIA) prepared by the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will experience less snowfall, more extreme temperatures, greater susceptibility to drought, and diminished air quality as a result of climate change if measures are not taken to abate its impacts7. As a part of its impacts assessment, the NECIA report provides projections for both higher and lower emissions scenarios. Under the lower-emissions scenario, eastern Pennsylvania is projected to have a climate

2 Source: http://www.ipcc.ch/ 3 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Third Assessment Report: "Climate Change 2001: The Scientific Basis." 4 Climate Progress: http://climateprogress.org/2007/12/11/nasa-hansen-2007-second-warmest-year-ever-warmest-year-likely-by-2010/ 5 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Third Assessment Report: "Climate Change 2001: The Scientific Basis." 6 “Pennsylvania Climate Change Road Map.” Pennsylvania Environmental Council, June 2007. 7 “Confronting Climate Change in the U.S. Northeast: Science, Impacts and Solutions.” From http://www.northeastclimateimpacts.org/

Scientific Facts and Projections: ● The atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) during the last two decades has increased at

the rate of 0.4% every year. ● Current CO2 concentrations are higher than they have been in the last 420,000 years, and according to

some research, the last 20 million years. ● About three-quarters of the CO2 emissions produced by human activity during the past 20 years are

due to the burning of fossil fuels. Source: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2007.


Figures 1.2: Climate Change Forecast for Pennsylvania under a high and a low emissions scenario. Source: NECIA

more akin to southern Virginia by the end of the century, or roughly a 5 degree Fahrenheit increase in average annual temperature. Under the high emissions scenario, Pennsylvania could have a climate similar to that of southern Georgia by the end of the century. The higher-emissions scenario represents an annual average temperature increase of approximately 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Under the higher emissions scenario, the number of days in the Philadelphia area surpassing 100 degrees Fahrenheit would increase from 10 to 30 (Figure 1.2). Changes to the climate of this magnitude would have a devastating impact on the Pennsylvania environment, economy, and social structure. 1.3 The ICLEI Five-Milestone Process By joining ICLEI and committing to climate protection, the Township of Haverford has become part of an international movement of local governments committed to taking action on climate protection. More than 850 local governments, including over

470 in the United States, have joined ICLEI and committed to the Five-Milestone climate protection process. In addition to the Township of Haverford, neighboring ICLEI members include: the City of Philadelphia, the Townships of Lower Makefield, Nether Providence, Radnor, and Upper Dublin, as well as the Borough of West Chester.

ICLEI’s Five-Milestone process provides a framework for local communities to identify and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The five Milestones are:

(1) Conduct an inventory of local greenhouse gas emissions;

(2) Establish a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target;

(3) Develop an action plan for achieving the emissions reduction target;

(4) Implement the action plan; and,

(5) Monitor and report on progress.

The ICLEI 5-Milestone Process

Milestone 1Inventory Emissions

Milestone 2

Establish Target

Milestone 3Develop Climate

Action Plan

Milestone 5Monitor/Evaluate

Progress

Milestone 4Implement Climate

Action Plan

Leadership Commitment

This report represents the completion of the third Milestone: development of a Climate Action Plan. This Action Plan provides a blueprint for the Township’s climate protection efforts by identifying measures the Township and the community can implement to reduce both energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.


1.4 Benefits of Climate Protection to the Township of Haverford Acting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the climate has numerous benefits to the Haverford Township government and community, including: ● Saving taxpayer money. Actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions cut electricity and fuel use,

thereby leading to reductions in energy costs for citizens, businesses, and institutions. ● Improving air quality and public health. In the short-term, reducing fossil fuel use means less air

pollution and fewer air quality-related public health impacts, such as asthma and other respiratory ailments. In the long-term, acting to reduce greenhouse gases decreases the likelihood of climate-related public health problems, such as the spread of heat-dependent diseases.

● Enhancing community livability. Cutting greenhouse gas emissions with measures that make Haverford Township more sustainable can reduce traffic congestion, clean the air, and contribute to more efficient homes, offices, and land use patterns. In combination, these types of measures can help build a more livable Township.

● Boosting local economy. Decreased energy costs, coupled with expansion into new services and technologies (e.g. energy efficiency and renewable energy) give local firms a competitive edge. The demand for energy efficient products and services and for new or alternative energy technologies expands local business, creates local jobs, and boosts the local economy.

● Demonstrating commitment to climate protection. By taking action on climate change, Haverford Township is making a national statement regarding its commitment to reducing the impacts of global climate change.


2. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory The first step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions is to identify baseline levels and sources of emissions. ICLEI’s methodology allows local governments to systematically estimate and track greenhouse gas emissions from energy and waste related activities at the community-level and those resulting directly from municipal operations. Once completed, these inventories provide the basis for creating an emissions forecast and reduction target, and enable the quantification of emissions reductions associated with implemented and proposed measures. For Haverford Township, conducting an inventory of energy use and associated greenhouse gas emissions provided the Township with: an understanding of baseline energy performance; the comparison of alternative scenarios; an illustration of energy saving opportunities; and allowed for the monitoring and demonstration of progress towards meeting an emissions reduction goal.

2.1 Methodology and Model ICLEI’s greenhouse gas inventory methodology involves performing two analyses: a community-wide and government operations analysis. The government analysis, or inventory, is a subset of the community inventory. Included in the government analysis is energy usage and associated emissions for Township buildings, vehicles, street and traffic lights, and wastewater pumping. For the community-wide inventory, energy usage from the residential, commercial/industrial, waste, and transportation sectors are analyzed. For both the inventory of community activities and government operations, emissions sources are categorized as Key and Secondary. Key emissions sources are those sources that ICLEI considers essential components of a local greenhouse gas inventory. This determination is based on significance of the category in terms of the total emissions profile of most local governments, applicability of data to policy-relevant climate protection solutions available to local governments, and availability of data at the local government scale. In conducting Haverford’s inventory, all Key emissions categories were included. Secondary emissions sources are those that are generally challenging to gather reliable data for at a local level, and/or which are usually minimal in magnitude, such as decentralized fuel consumption (e.g., propane, kerosene, fuel oil, stationary diesel). In general, it is acceptable to rely on less specific data sources for estimating secondary emissions sources. ICLEI categorizes community emissions sources in terms of where they occur in relationship to the geographic boundaries of a place and the timescale of an inventory. There are three categories of emissions sources; Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3. Table 2.1 summarizes the three categories.

Table 2.1: Emissions Source Categories Category Definition Examples

Scope 1 All direct greenhouse gas emissions Natural gas and fuel oil used for heat, gasoline burned to power

vehicles.

Scope 2

Indirect greenhouse gas emissions associated with the consumption of purchased or acquired electricity,

steam, heating, or cooling

Emissions produced by power plants in the course of electricity

generation.

Scope 3

All other indirect emissions, including emissions from up-stream processes of lifecycle/lifetime energy embodiment and process emissions

Electricity consumption at factory where a community’s

vehicles were made, energy used to transport fuel oil.


Figure 2.1 provides a graphic representation of the emissions Scopes. The Haverford inventory primarily contains Key emissions sources falling within Scope 1 and Scope 2. Data

availability and other constraints necessitated the exclusion of most Secondary emissions sources and Scope 3 items. 2.2 Clean Air and Climate Protection® (CACP) Software To facilitate community efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, ICLEI developed the Clean Air and Climate Protection® (CACP) software package with the organization formerly known as the State and Territorial Air Pollution Program Administrators (STAPPA), the Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officials (ALAPCO), and Torrie Smith Associates. This software calculates emissions resulting from energy consumption and waste generation. The CACP software determines emissions using specific factors (or coefficients) according to the type of fuel used. Greenhouse gas emissions are aggregated and reported in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent units, or CO2e. Converting all emissions to carbon dioxide equivalent units allows for the consideration of different greenhouse gases in comparable terms. For example, methane is twenty-one times more powerful than carbon dioxide on a per molecule basis in its capacity to trap heat, so the CACP software converts one ton of methane emissions to 21 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents.

The emissions coefficients and methodology employed by the CACP software are consistent with national and international inventory standards established by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (1996 Revised IPCC Guidelines for the Preparation of National Inventories) and the U.S. Voluntary Greenhouse Gas Reporting Guidelines (EIA form1605).

Over 470 cities, towns, and counties in the U.S. are using the CACP software to quantify emissions and establish policies and practices that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While the CACP software provides the Township of Haverford with a sophisticated and useful tool, calculating emissions from energy use with precision is difficult. Like all models, the software relies on numerous assumptions, and its accuracy is heavily dependent on the quantity and quality of data available. The CACP software is a policy tool. Emissions figures produced using the CACP software are not exact figures, but they do provide a high level of certainty for decision makers seeking alternative policies that enhance sustainability.

Figure 2.1: Emissions Scopes. Source: WRI/WBCSD GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (Revised Edition), Chapter 4.


2.3 Creating the Inventory Haverford’s greenhouse gas emissions inventory consists of two essentially distinct inventories: one for the Township of Haverford community as a whole, and one highlighting emissions resulting from the Township of Haverford’s internal government operations. The government inventory is a subset of the community-scale inventory (the two are not mutually exclusive). Creating the emissions inventory required the collection of information from a variety of sources. Data from the year 2005 was collected and used as the baseline year for both the community and government inventories.

NOTE: The government operations portion of the inventory includes emissions associated with Township operations, fire companies, the Haverford Township Free Library, and the Haverford School District. The Township chose to take an inclusive approach on the government inventory side so as simplify comparisons with other communities. 2.4 Government Inventory Summary A detailed inventory of energy use for government operations was conducted. Included in the government analysis is energy usage and associated emissions for government buildings, vehicles, street and traffic lights, and wastewater pumping. Table 2.1 below illustrates overall government operations results.

Haverford’s government inventory analysis determined that in base year 2005, total government emissions in the Township amounted to 15,313 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), the equivalent of annual energy use for 1,352 homes, or the annual emissions of 2,805 automobiles.8 Buildings represented 72.6% of emissions, the vehicle fleet comprised approximately 18.8% and street lighting accounted for 8%. Emissions attributable to wastewater pumping amounted to less than 1%. Total government energy expenditures in 2005 were $3,363,272. Haverford’s government emissions of 15,313 metric tons of CO2e represent 3.9 percent of overall community emissions. It is important to note that while the School District was included in the government category for the inventory, all measures listed in this Plan (and the cost savings and emissions reduction figures associated with them) apply only to Township Operations. As such, all further references to Township Operations refer to activities within

8 Source: http://epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html

Table 2.1: Government Operations Emissions Summary Sector CO2e (tonnes) Energy (MMBtu) Cost ($)

Buildings 11,119 94,377 $2,349,666 Vehicle fleet 2,888 36,861 $558,310 Streetlights 1,223 8,203 $434,945

Water/Sewage pumping 83 555 $20,351 Total 15,313 139,994 $3,363,272


the Township, fire departments, and the Haverford Free Library. The reason for excluding the School District from the Action Plan is that they are currently engaged in their own ongoing energy saving efforts, primarily via the employment of an energy services company to improve the efficiency of existing buildings, as well as the construction of new, green facilities. Emissions generated from Township Operations account for approximately 36 percent of the government emissions total and are detailed in Table 2.2 below.

Table 2.2: Township Operations Emissions Summary

Sector CO2e (metric

tons) Energy (MMBtu) Cost ($)

Buildings 2,028 18,827 $441,258 Vehicle fleet 1,692 21,453 $315,688 Streetlights 1,223 8,203 $434,935

Water/Sewage pumping 83 555 $20,351 Total 5,037 49,128 $1,212,232

2.5 Community Inventory Summary In conducting Haverford’s community-wide inventory, emissions from residential, commercial, waste, and transportation sources were analyzed. Community emissions sources totaled 388,906 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) in 2005, the equivalent of consuming 44,143,700 gallons of gasoline. Table 2.3 demonstrates the breakdown of emissions by sector. The transportation sector was the largest generator of greenhouse gas emissions at 55.6%. According to the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, the total vehicle miles traveled (VMT) on Township roads were 280,417,000 in 2005 - the equivalent of 11,718 trips around the planet. Vehicle miles traveled is a standard measure of vehicular traffic in a community and is measured by a single vehicle traveling one mile. Based on the DVRPC VMT figure, each Township household drove approximately 13,000 miles in 2005. According to PECO, the Townships 18,061 households each used approximately 8,750 kWh of electricity per year in 2005, which is close to the national average. Residential waste from Township households totaled 26,018 tons in 2005, nearly 1.5 tons per household. Approximately 10 million trees would have to be planted in order to offset the Township of Haverford’s annual community CO2e emissions.9

9 Source: http://epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html

Table 2.3: Township of Haverford Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Year 2005

Source CO2e (metric

tons) CO2e (%) Energy (MMBtu)

Residential 121,802 31.3% 1,129,996 Commercial 45,006 11.6% 317,573

Transportation 216,306 55.6% 2,777,058 Waste 5,792 1.5% Total 388,906 100.0% 4,224,627


3. Emissions Forecast 3.1 Government Forecast To provide an estimate of future emissions under a business as usual trajectory, a forecast was conducted for year 2020. For government operations, including the School District, it is assumed that no substantial increase in energy use will take place. On the School District side, a new, marginally larger Manoa Elementary is being built to replace the existing school. The School District has indicated that the new building will be as energy efficient as possible within budgetary constraints. For the Township, it is possible that new facilities may be constructed, such as a library or community facilities at Haverford Reserve. But as of now there are no specific plans to be factored into the forecast. As such, emissions in 2020 are forecasted to be 15,685 metric tons CO2e. Table 3.1 shows the projected difference between 2005 and 2020 government emissions.

Table 3.1: Government Forecast Comparison – 2005 and 2020 Sector CO2e (metric tons): 2005 CO2e (metric tons): 2020 Percent Change

Buildings 11,119 11,445 +2.85% Vehicle fleet 2,888 2,886 -.07% Streetlights 1,223 1,268 +3.55%

Water/Sewage 83 86 +3.49% Total 15,313 15,685 +2.37%

The forecast projects an approximate increase of 372 metric tons CO2e from 2005 to 2020 as a result of government operations, or an increase of 2.37%. Of these, 326 metric tons are forecast to come from increased building emissions, 45 metric tons from street light emissions, and 3 from water/sewer emissions. Vehicle emissions are projected to fall by 2 metric tons. Table 3.2 shows the projected difference between 2005 and 2020 emissions solely for Township Operations (excluding School District):

Table 3.2: Township Operations Forecast Comparison – 2005 and 2020 Sector CO2e (metric tons): 2005 CO2e (metric tons): 2020 Percent Change

Buildings 2,028 2,090 3.06% Vehicle fleet 1,692 1,691 -0.11% Streetlights 1,223 1,268 3.77%

Water/Sewage 83 86 4.40% Total 5,037 5,148 2.19%

The forecast projects an approximate increase of 111 metric tons CO2e from 2005 to 2020 as a result of Township operations, or an increase of 2.19%. Of these, 62 metric tons are forecast to come from increased building emissions, 45 metric tons from street light emissions, and 3 from water/sewer emissions. Vehicle emissions are projected to fall by 1 metric ton. The forecast assumes no emissions reduction measures are undertaken. 3.2 Community Forecast For the entire Haverford Township community, CO2e emissions are projected to increase from 2005 levels of 388,906 metric tons to a 2020 level of 562,831 metric tons. This represents an increase of 30.9 percent over 2005 levels. Table 3.3 shows the projected difference between 2005 and 2020 community emissions.

Table 3.3: Community Forecast Comparison – 2005 and 2020 Sector CO2e (metric tons): 2005 CO2e (metric tons): 2020 Percent Change

Residential 121,802 234,181 +47.99% Commercial 45,006 62,561 +28.06%


Transportation 216,306 260,297 +16.90% Waste 5,792 5,792 0% Total 388,906 562,831 +30.90%

The community forecast is based on growth factors from the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) 2007 Annual Energy Outlook.10 The EIA forecasts that residential electricity consumption will increase an average of 1.3 percent annually, natural gas use is projected to increase 0.4 percent annually, and fuel oil usage is projected to decline slightly.

There are multiple factors that lead to increased residential energy use, even in a largely built out community such as Haverford. The continued proliferation of appliances and electronic devices is one factor. Many of the devices drawing power in today’s homes were not in widespread use as recently as ten years ago. Furthermore, factors such as additions to existing homes, air conditioning retrofits, and new construction all contribute to increases in energy use.

The EIA forecasts commercial electricity usage will increase at an annual average of 2 percent, natural gas at 1.3 percent, and fuel oil at 0.2 percent. The greater increase in commercial usage is reflective of a transition to a more energy intensive, service-oriented economy with growth in industries such as healthcare.

Energy use in the transportation sector is projected by the EIA to grow at a 1.4 percent annual average. Nationally, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) have increased at a rate that exceeds the population growth. Pennsylvania has the second worst ratio of VMT growth to population growth in the nation – only Iowa has worse.

No growth was projected for the waste sector. This was confirmed by an analysis of trash tonnage figures for Haverford Township done by the Delaware County Solid Waste Authority, which revealed no significant change in tonnage from 2000 to 2007.

10 Energy Information Administration At: tonto.eia.doe.gov/ftproot/forecasting/0383(2007).pdf


4. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Target Many factors were considered when selecting Haverford’s greenhouse gas reduction target. The Township strove to choose a target that was both aggressive and achievable given local circumstances. Additionally, the Township felt it was important to set a Township Operations emission reduction target, and demonstrate progress towards achieving that target, prior to setting a community emissions reduction target.

To help gauge a decision surrounding an appropriate emissions reduction target, the Township took into consideration the IPCC’s 4th Assessment Report, which denoted that an 80% reduction below 1990 levels globally will be necessary to stabilize the climate.11

Local factors considered in selecting the target reduction percentage included an estimation of the effects of implemented and planned programs and policies, an approximate assessment of future opportunities to reduce emissions, targets adopted by peer communities, and emissions reductions expected to be consequences of policies mandated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Given this information, Haverford Township has adopted a reduction target of 30% below 2005 levels, by the year 2020 for Townships Operations. To achieve this target, Haverford must reduce annual emissions by 1,510 metric tons CO2e by the year 2020 (Table 4.1). It is important to note that this reduction target applies only to Township Operations and does not include the School District.

Table 4.1: Haverford Township Operations Emissions Summary Township Operations Analysis

Base year: 2005

Quantity of CO2e emissions in base year (metric tons): 5,037

Target year: 2020

Business-as-usual projection of CO2e emissions in 2020 (metric tons):

5,148

Percent CO2e reduction targeted by target year relative to base year:

30

Quantity of CO2e reduction targeted relative to base year (metric tons):

1,510

Source: CACP Model Output

11 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. At: http://www.ipcc.ch/.

A reduction target provides a tangible goal for Haverford’s

emissions reduction efforts. The emissions reduction target is a

percentage by which the Township aims to decrease emissions, below the 2005 baseline, by a given year.


School District of Haverford Township

Sustainable Energy Goals

The following goals have been set out by the School Board as a path towards making the District’s operations more efficient, cost effective and sustainable:

1. All school district facilities over the next five years will be under a facilities management contract to manage and operate the HVAC systems so they are used in the most efficient way possible. Several electrical and pneumatic systems are in operation; all will be converted to Johnson Controls, Inc.

2. By 2012, 75 percent of facilities will be fully renovated with new heating, cooling and electrical sensor systems featuring:

a. Heat recovery and other energy saving design systems. b. Dual fuel capability – natural gas or fuel oil in all schools. c. All construction waste management consistent with state recycling obligations. d. Installation of occupancy sensors and other lighting control devices.

3. District transportation software, Advanced Route Software, will maintain and create time and fuel-

efficient routes as costs increase and needs change depending on population and the locations and number of schools that change yearly.

4. The district fleet of trucks and buses will as the replacement schedule allows be swapped out for more fuel-efficient vehicles. When grant money is made available to make up the difference for the cost of hybrids ($300,000 per bus versus $46,500) we will match our needs to those that are available to the district.

5. We will continue as costs permit to use biodiesel and other fuel(s) that are made available to school

districts. We will continue to assist the township fleet through our joint purchasing and fuel initiatives.

6. Electric heaters will continue to be provided on our buses allowing our no idling policy to continue.

7. PTO’s will be encouraged to support with their membership walking to school initiatives when appropriate and along safe routes.

8. Our recycling efforts will increase with food service using recyclable cardboard platters and limit the

use of plastic where cost effective.

9. Highlight and continue to “green” the curriculum where science, social studies, and math merge. Continue to develop with Bryn Mawr College the environmental course sequence at our high school as a capstone to the continued integration of environmental and sustainable science throughout the curriculum.

10. Install solar panels and/or other energy producing devices as best fit our needs and as grants or state

funding allows us to pursue within our financial resources.


5. Action Planning Process

Haverford Township undertook a thorough process to decide which measures to include in the Township’s Action Plan. There were two working groups who were responsible for developing the measures in this Plan: a municipal group and a community group. The municipal group consisted of the Township Manager and all Department Directors and worked on the Government section of the Plan. The community group consisted of the Township’s Environmental Advisory Council, the Board of Commissioners, representatives of community civic groups, community institutions, County government, business leaders, utilities, and regional agencies – this group developed the Community section of the Action Plan. The community group had three subcommittees focusing on buildings, transportation, and waste.

Each group (municipal and community) met four times while developing measures for the Action Plan. The first meeting was conducted to brainstorm all possible measures to include in both the Government and Community portions of the Plan. For the second meeting, ICLEI had compiled the ideas from the initial brainstorming session, and provided examples from other communities’ action plans where similar measures had been proposed. This allowed the group to begin a discussion of which measures stood a good chance of succeeding and how Haverford might go about implementing some of the ideas listed. At the third meeting the groups reviewed a list of decision criteria that ICLEI developed to help the stakeholders identify which measures to include in the Climate Action Plan. Table 5.1 shows the Decision Criteria for the project:

Table 5.1: Climate Change Action Plan Decision Criteria Criteria Definition Viability Is the proposed action financially, technologically, and politically viable? Cost Effectiveness Are the costs and benefits equitable and reasonable?

Implement-ability Is there a readiness to implement and are potential barriers to implementation capable of being overcome?

Consistency With Goals Does the proposed action contribute to short – and long-term reduction goals? Is there a cumulative impact over time? Does it achieve our goal in an effective manner?

Engaging Does the measure involve multiple sectors and can public education or publicity be tied into measure?

Timeliness Can measure be started and mostly implemented before 2020? Following these meetings the potential measures selected by the groups were quantified, to the extent possible, and a prioritization sheet listing all measures was sent to the groups. The prioritization sheet

The April Stakeholder meeting.

Township staff at a May meeting.


contained the decision criteria, and group members were asked to rank the measures based on the criteria. ICLEI compiled the rankings, and the measures with the highest average score were selected for inclusion in the Draft Action Plan. Initially, ICLEI showed the top 15 measures for Government Operations, top 10 for Transportation and Buildings, and the top 5 in Waste. During the final group meetings, the stakeholders reviewed the rankings and adjustments were made to reflect priorities and to streamline the selections. Ultimately, the Action Plan was written to include 18 Government Operations, 10 Building, 8 Transportation, and 6 Waste measures.

I etEI L Loca l Governments for Sustai nabili ty


6. Township Operations Measures

Emissions generated from Township Operations account for approximately 36 percent of the government emissions total, the remainder of which was generated by the School District. It is important to note that while the School District was included in the government category for the inventory, all measures below (and the cost savings and emissions reduction figures associated with them) apply only to Township Operations, including the Township, Library, and fire companies. The School District is engaged in its own ongoing efforts, primarily via the employment of an energy services company to improve the efficiency of existing buildings, as well as the construction of new, green facilities (for more information on School District efforts, please see Section 4. Based on the Township’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction target, the distribution of existing priorities and resources, the identified decision criteria, and the potential costs and benefits of various potential reduction projects, Haverford Township has identified 18 emissions reduction measures to pursue.

The measures outlined below have a total estimated emissions reduction of 2,550 metric tons of CO2e when fully implemented. In order to achieve its target of reducing emissions 30 percent below 2005 levels by the year 2020, Haverford must reduce annual emissions by 1,510 metric tons CO2e. If all measures denoted below are enacted by 2020, the Township will have a comfortable margin in achieving that goal. The order of the measures listed below has significance. Measures 6.1 through 6.5 are measures that deal with assigning staff responsibility and the initiation of new policy. These five measures establish the infrastructure needed to carry out the remainder of the Plan. By implementing these measures first, the Township will ensure that roles and responsibilities for the implementation of other measures are clearly defined, and that effective mechanisms are in place to conduct public outreach and education. From these measures follow measures 6.6 through 6.18, which involve upgrading or replacing of building components or systems, vehicles, and other Township areas of operation. Measures 6.6 through 6.18 are listed from highest to lowest according to estimated emissions reductions achievable once the measure has been fully implemented.


Members of the Haverford Stakeholder group.

6.1 Create a Municipal Green Team

Measure Status:


Cost:

Estimated Cost Savings Per

Year:

Estimated Emissions Reduction Per Year:

Estimated Payback Period:

Responsible Entity:

Term:

Proposed Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Administration Short A Municipal Green Team is a permanent committee made up of employees who are committed to energy efficiency and who have a key role in implementing the Township’s Action Plan. The proposed Haverford Township Green Team would have several main areas of responsibility: ● Develop policies and priorities for the Township; ● Coordinate energy saving work across departments; ● Oversee the 10 Percent Challenge; ● Conduct outreach to citizen groups and help develop

community programs; ● Develop Township policies to guide purchasing

decisions, construction practices, waste management, vehicle use, and other activities with the aim of reducing energy use, vehicle miles traveled, fuel consumption, and waste disposal;

● Develop a mechanism to inform Township employees about climate protection activities and resources and a recognition program for outstanding employee efforts;

● Work with the School District to incorporate environmental principles into the curriculum at all levels and to develop student projects that help carry out some of the actions in the Plan.

Implementation: This measure is targeted for short-term implementation, which means that the measure would be fully enacted prior to 2012. The establishment of a municipal Green Team ideally would be the first step taken upon adoption of this Climate Action Plan, as the Green Team will play a key role in the implementation of this Plan. A staff member should be designated to lead the Green Team, and a representative from each Department appointed to serve on the Green Team. Each member of the Green Team should have an area of responsibility – buildings, vehicles, parks, street lighting, purchasing, etc. The Green Team should coordinate its activities with the Township Environmental Advisory Council, and, when appropriate, environmentally focused community groups such as the Darby Creek Valley Association. The Green Team can also serve as a clearinghouse for any potential grant funding that could advance other elements of the Action Plan.

Quantification: There is no quantification associated with this measure; reductions achieved by the Green Team have been captured in the quantification of other measures. Co-Benefits: ● Staff education. ● Opportunity for publicizing Township’s efforts.

Success Story:

Nashua, New Hampshire created a Green Team in 2006 as an advisory committee to the Mayor, Board of Aldermen, and Division Directors. The Green Team: ● Identifies strategies the City can take

to becoming more energy efficient; ● Created the City’s Action Plan; and ● Is responsible for aiding in the

implementation of strategies identified in the Action Plan.

The Green Team is comprised of appointed representatives from City Departments, public officials, businessmen, citizens, and environmental experts.


6.2 Establish an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy; Buy Energy STAR Electronics and Appliances

Measure Status:


Cost:


Year:



Responsible Entity:

Term:

Proposed Marginal $21,767 124 metric tons CO2e 2 years Administration,

Green Team Short

The purpose of this measure is to make energy efficiency, environmental sustainability and lifecycle costs key factors driving Township purchasing decisions on items ranging from office paper to vehicles. One example of a component of an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy (EPPP) is to commit to purchasing only Energy STAR equipment and appliances for the Township as old devices are replaced. Appliances that carry the EPA Energy STAR label incorporate advanced technologies that use 10–50% less energy than standard models. The Energy STAR label can be found on a wide range of devices, ranging from DVD players to refrigerators.

Implementation: This measure is targeted for short-term implementation, which means that the measure would be fully enacted prior to 2012. The Administration Department would create the EPPP with input from the Green Team. The EPPP should include specific allowances on initial cost differences, preference for recycled/recyclable goods, and should consider the environmental and health benefits of purchased goods. As part of this effort, the Township should consider joining the Responsible Purchasing Network. The Township should also consider partnering with neighboring municipalities to leverage better prices on energy efficient goods and services. As the Township does not have a purchasing agent, an EPPP will help to ensure that all department heads are on the same page and buying the more environmentally preferable products. The EPPP will be the driving force behind many other measures, such as purchasing more efficient vehicles.

Quantification: The cost savings and emissions reductions associated with this measure assume a 30 percent drop in energy use by electronic devices (electronics, refrigeration, cooking and computers) across all Township facilities. According to the 2007 EIA Buildings Energy Data Book, electronic devices account for 15 percent of energy use in commercial facilities. Overall, Township facilities used 18,827 MMBtu of energy in 2005, of which an estimated 2,824 MMBtu can be attributed to electronic devices. Cutting this figure by 30 percent would result in a savings of 847 MMBtu. ICLEI’s CACP software was used to determine the impact of a 10 percent reduction in lighting costs across all Township facilities. At current electricity prices, cutting lighting usage by 847 MMBtu would result in a cost savings of $21,767 and an emissions reduction of 124 metric tons CO2e annually. Co-Benefits: ● Employee education. ● Ability to grow into other purchasing areas: vehicles, energy, etc.

Success Story:

In 1989, King County adopted its original recycled product procurement policy in response to overburdened landfills and the need to create markets for newly collected recyclables. Today, the King County Environmental Purchasing Program (EPP) provides county personnel with information and technical assistance to help them identify and evaluate, and ultimately buy, economical and effective environmentally preferable products and services. In the past year (2007), King County agencies purchased 36 million dollars worth of these products, saving $640,000 compared to the cost of conventional products.

Source: King County EPP Program


6.3 Establish a Sustainable Parks Policy

Measure Status:


Cost:


Year:



Responsible Entity:

Term:

Proposed Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Parks and Recreation

Short

There are two types of recreation areas: active and passive. Active recreation is that which requires intensive development such as playgrounds, ball fields and skate-parks. Passive recreation is that which emphasizes the open-space aspect of a park and which involves a low level of development, including picnic areas and trails. The purpose of this measure is to reduce maintenance expenses in Township parks without sacrificing appearance and function. Baseball fields, soccer fields, and other “active” areas of parks must be mowed frequently to remain useful and safe. However, “passive” areas of parks may remain perfectly functional in a more natural state. Reducing the frequency of mowing on passive open space saves both fuel costs and manpower. Given the large increase in parkland that will accompany the development of the Haverford State property, the success of this measure should be gauged in terms of fuel consumption per acre of land, not outright fuel usage.

Implementation: This measure is targeted for short-term implementation, which means that the measure would be fully enacted prior to 2012. However, the measures could be fully implemented much sooner, as it does not require any new purchases or system changes, only a shift in policy.

Administration, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation should work together to develop an appropriate policy. A component of the policy should be to educate the public

for the reasons behind targeted reductions in mowing. Quantification: There is no quantification associated with this measure. Co-Benefits: ● Enhanced wildlife habitat ● Better experience for park users.

Success Story:

Township resident Phil Witmer has taken steps to make his property more sustainable. In addition to using porous driveway pavers that improve stormwater infiltration, Phil has planted native plants in his yard that require less watering than exotic plants and provide food and shelter for birds.

These steps have reduced the amount of yard requiring mowing, and the added trees and plants reduce the need for water pumping and processing.

Phil Witmer’s porous driveway surface.


6.4 Establish Energy Efficiency Standards for any New Township Facilities and/or Retrofits of Existing Facilities

Measure Status:


Cost:


Year:

Estimated Emissions

Reduction Per Year:


Responsible Entity:

Term:

Proposed 4 to 11% of

construction costs 25 to 30%

energy savings Unknown Unknown

Community Development

Short

There are several proposals for the construction or renovation of facilities in Haverford Township. In order to ensure that new facilities are economical to operate and sustainable over the long term, energy efficient design should be integral to the design of any facility. The Township should investigate green building standards and consider passing a resolution requiring that all Township buildings adhere to energy efficiency standards. The most prominent building standard is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System developed by the United States Green Building Council. LEED encourages the adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through universally recognized and accepted tools and performance criteria.

LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. LEED ratings are available at four levels: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. A recent study, the LEED Energy Performance Project12, conducted by researchers at the New Buildings Institute, concluded that LEED buildings are, on average, 25%–30% more energy-efficient than non-LEED buildings as represented in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) database13.

Implementation Strategy: This measure is targeted for short-term implementation, which means that the measure would be fully enacted prior to 2012. The Administration, Community Development Department and Green Team should work together to develop a policy. LEED is a widespread standard, although other options could be considered. For example, the Township could specify new, larger structures that would at the very least not use more energy than the facilities they are replacing. Quantification: There is no quantification for this measure, as the savings will depend on the specifications of buildings that have yet to be designed. Co-Benefits: ● Green buildings can be used for education of home and business owners. ● Work environment is healthier. ● Employees are happier and more productive.

12 New Buildings Institute. http://www.newbuildings.org/measuredPerformance.htm 13 U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. http://eere.buildinggreen.com/

Success Story: The Cusano Environmental Education Center is an 18,000 square foot visitor center and educational facility in Tinicum Township, Delaware County and is the most urban wildlife refuge in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife system. The building upholds the principles of sustainable design, minimizing impacts to the environment through energy efficiency, the use of recycled materials, and in the treatment of the site.

The Cusano Environmental Education Center. Source: DVRBC


6.5 Establish Program for Businesses/Homeowners to Register Improvements with Township and Receive Recognition

Measure Status:


Cost:


Year:



Responsible Entity:

Term:

Proposed Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Green Team Short

This measure envisions a program, as part of the 10 Percent Challenge (see community building measures), in which businesses and homeowners would report efficiency improvements they have made to the Township. When individuals sign up to participate in the 10 Percent Challenge, they will be asked to report any measures they implement to reduce energy consumption to the Township. This will serve a twofold purpose: individuals will receive recognition for their accomplishments, and the Township will have a framework for monitoring reductions in community emissions that would otherwise be difficult to accurately assess. Implementation: This measure is targeted for short-term implementation, which means that the measure would be fully enacted prior to 2012. In addition to developing a process for receiving notices of upgrades and distributing awards, implementation of this measure will require a significant outreach, education, and publicity campaign (see community building measures – public outreach campaign). Residents must be made aware of the existence of the program in order for it to achieve its intended purpose. Outreach, coordinated by the Green Team, could be conducted via presentations to civic groups, the Commissioners Newsletters, Representative Vitali’s office, and articles in local newspapers. Quantification: There is no quantification associated with this measure. Co-Benefits: ● Public visibility, education, and outreach. ● Ability to quantify progress on community measures.


Success Story:

Ann Arbor, Michigan is one of several communities that have joined the LED City Initiative, a program promoting an expansion in use of LED street light technology. Ann Arbor will install more than 1,000 LED streetlights over the next two years, projecting a 50 percent energy savings and a 3.8-year payback on its initial investment. Full implementation of LEDs is projected to cut Ann Arbor’s public lighting greenhouse gas emissions by 2,425 tons of CO2e annually, the equivalent of taking 400 cars off the road for a year.

6.6 Replace Existing Street Lights with LED Models

Measure Status:


Cost:

Estimated Cost

Savings Per Year:



Responsible Entity: Term:

Proposed $1,700,000 $196,000 500 metric tons CO2e

8 years

Planning Commission, Community

Development, Township Engineer

Long

The use of LED traffic signals has become quite common; in fact, Haverford Township has converted to LED traffic signals entirely. LED traffic signals, between energy savings and reduced maintenance costs, can cut costs approximately 90 percent compared to conventional lights. LED street lights have energy savings potential similar to traffic signals, although their use is not yet widespread. LEDs offer the most efficient and environmentally clean lighting source. They are solid-state devices rather than glass tubes with filaments, which makes LEDs far more durable and long lasting. LEDs exceptional lifespan significantly reduces maintenance costs and reduces the overall impact on landfills and the environment.

Haverford Township spends a significant amount of money on street lighting, roughly $32,770 monthly in 2005. Moreover, 2005 energy expenditures on str

township of haverford climate change action plan · 2011. 6. 15. · rob graff, delaware valley...

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